Kumusta (also stylized as Kumusta?; transl. How are you?) is an upcoming reality television and cooking show. The series is produced by a South Korean production team and will be broadcast on TV5 and the streaming platform Viu. The program follows South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook and several Filipino celebrities as they manage a pop-up restaurant in South Korea. The show will premiere on May 24, 2026.
| Kumusta | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Directed by | Park Nae-ryong |
| Starring |
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| Countries of origin |
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| Original languages |
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| Production | |
| Producer | Crystal Jacinto |
| Production companies | E&S Partners |
| Original release | |
| Network | |
| Release | 24 May 2026 |
Premise
editThe title of the show is derived from the Tagalog greeting "kumusta", which translates to "how are you?".[1] The show centers on a cultural exchange between the Philippines and South Korea through culinary arts.[2] The cast members temporarily operated a Filipino restaurant named "Kumusta Café" located in the Gangnam District of Seoul.[3] During the production, the cast worked daily shifts ranging from 12 to 16 hours over a period of seven days.[4] The menu featured traditional Filipino dishes such as inasal, kare-kare, sisig, and roasted pig known as lechon.[5]
Cast
editThe restaurant was managed by a combined cast of South Korean and Filipino personalities.[6]
- Ji Chang-wook[5]
- Jodi Sta. Maria[7]
- Janella Salvador[7]
- Francine Diaz[7]
- Arci Muñoz[7]
- Chef JP Anglo[8]
- Chef Kim Yumol[7]
Guest cast
editProduction
editThe program is directed by South Korean director Park Nae-ryong.[6] Crystal Jacinto serves as a producer for the show.[3] Filming took place in Seoul in late 2025.[2] As part of the filming process, the cast purchased local Korean meat from a wet market.[7] The cast also prepared a special meal for South Korean chef and restaurateur Choi Hyun-seok.[4] During one of the filming days, cast member Janella Salvador performed a musical cover of the song "With a Smile" by the Philippine band Eraserheads.[9] Ji Chang-wook participated actively in the kitchen, specifically assisting with the preparation and roasting of the lechon.[1] Following the completion of filming, Ji gifted Sta. Maria a pair of Gentle Monster sunglasses.[6]
References
edit- 1 2 Pascual, Pauline Joyce (28 October 2025). "Ji Chang Wook finds home in Filipino hospitality through 'Kumusta'". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- 1 2 Purnell, Kristofer (28 October 2025). "Ji Chang Wook joins Janella Salvador, Jodi Sta. Maria in Filipino food show". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- 1 2 Marfori, MJ (15 November 2025). "From 'The Manipulated' to 'Kumusta': How Ji Chang Wook is converting non-fans". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- 1 2 Posadas, Andrea (10 December 2025). "These Filipino Celebrities Will Headline a New Show With Ji Chang-wook—Here's What We Know So Far". When In Manila. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Ji Chang-wook joins Philippine variety show 'Kumusta' with Korean production team". The Korea Times. 28 October 2025. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Sarmiento, Kate (31 October 2025). "Everything We Know About Ji Chang Wook's Appearance In New Philippine Variety Show". Cosmopolitan Philippines. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Villena, Kyla (12 December 2025). "All the Filipino Personalities Joining Ji Chang Wook in His Upcoming Show". Preview.ph. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ Martinez, Lance Joseph (28 October 2025). "Everything We Know So Far About Ji Chang-wook's Upcoming Appearance on a Filipino Food Variety Show". Metro.Style. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (28 October 2025). "Ji Chang-wook joins Jodi Sta. Maria, Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz in reality show". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 8 March 2026.